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7 Easiest Steps for Modular Building Constructions
The procedure of developing several building sections for a single facility in a remote site is called modular building. Every section of the construction is known as modules or units and these get connected with electrical, HVAC and plumbing services across the building.
As several procedures can be prepared concurrently, it alleviates the time of construction into half. Though sounds simple yet the strategy of modular building is difficult to understand. Even you can’t ensure that every connection is done in absolutely correct manner.
To make the things get done in simple follow this blog to know 7 main steps to a complete modular construction.
Step 1: Design
Design is the key as well as primary phase of any modular construction project! It depicts the building description in much-detailed specifications and illustrations.
Even any new building owner can consult with the Palomar project manager to know which information must be needed to create a proper building plan. Basic parameters of a building plan comprise of the following questions:
- What will be the budget of the project?
- Is the land already owned?
- Will be the structure intended for permanent or temporary occupation?
- How fast do you want to occupy the building?
- How much space you need?
- How many members can occupy the modular building?
- How many modules do you need?
- How many restrooms do your need?
- Does your home need fire suppression?
- Should the structure must be ADA compliant?
- In which direction the building will be faced?
- Which type of exterior finish do you want?
- Which type of interior finish do you want?
- What type of flooring is your top priority?
- Which foundation do you prefer the most?
- Which type of roof is perfect for your building?
By this way, the owner can learn what a customer is hunting for today- whether it is energy-efficient modular construction or cost-driven utilitarian building. Once the relevant information can be collected from the patent design team of Palomar, any owner can make a building design for attaining the demands of the customers.
Step 2: Engineering
Every design of building is sent to the Palomar engineering department for a review! Similarly as site-built constructions, modular buildings are also subject to various building codes (local, state and national) by ensuring that it has attained the series of performance and safety standards.
Codes of state level buildings are augmented by the local building code requirements. While the building reviewing is done the engineering department of Palomar Modular Building checks that the proposed design of the modular construction has meet all implemented building codes.
Once the approval is obtained from the Palomar engineering department the design proposal is sent further to any independent third party engineer for analysis. In this step, you will get to whether there is any fault with the design or not.
Step 3: Permits and Approvals
The building permit (so-called construction permit) is the approval needed in almost every jurisdiction for most huge renovations or new constructions. Mostly, the construction approval includes the following:
- Flood district development permit
- Sign permit
- Encroachment permit
- Concrete permit
- Plumbing permit
- Mechanical permit
- Building permit
- Site plan
The ultimate responsibility for the approval of building permits is the building owner itself. While in the practice for several years, building owners hire general contractors as their authorized representatives to seek the needed approvals.
But it is always advised to the building owners that they should verify that their respective contractors have taken the much-needed approvals already. Otherwise, it can create many bigger problems in the future such as demolition of illegal construction, penalties and fines.
Step 4: Site Development
The biggest benefit imposes with the modular construction is the simultaneous preparation of building foundation and site development while fabrication of modules is still in progress. It can be done concurrently rather sequentially but depends on different geographic settings. Mainly, site development involves the following:
- Utility installation
- Foundation construction
- Site drainage
- Grading
- Excavation
- Demolition
- Surveying
Typically, 2 main classifications are found for modular building- full or raised an on-grade foundation. A raised or full foundation is widely preferred or permanent or temporary structures which are much affordable to install.
Even it is cost-efficacy in relocating the structure due to any site disturbance in the future. On the other hand, on-grade foundation is mandatory for permanent structures and quite expensive as well.
7 main steps to a complete modular construction
Step 5: Plant Fabrication
Every construction of modular building is commenced with a frame of welded steel that looks very much similar to that of the Palomar’s steel shop. Then, the frame is transported to the main factory where insulation of sub-floor will be performed.
Also, the assembly of floor deck is done over the steel frame at the same time. Later, it will be shifted from the production line for hoisting, insulation and fabrication of the framed wall sections. The assembly of truss roof is made from grounded level components prior to its installation.
Then the unit will be undergone with the installation processed of plumbing, electrical and mechanical services as well. At last, interior finishing roles like flooring, painting and drywall are applied along with the installation of windows and doors.
At the very stoppage of production line exterior trim and finish are given so that it gets fully ready for transportation. While construction procedures take place at the manufacturer’s site, an inspection agency from third party is there for ensuring that the unit has been built with the building code compliance.
Step 6: Transportation
Shipping of the fabricated modules is done in special modular building materials transportation by road. As per law of building shipping, every module is limited to 70’-90’ in length and 16’ width. The ways to be followed for transporting the job to a specific job site are completely depended on the scope and size of the project.
Step 7: Installation
The general contractor who is specialized in modular building development will complete the on-site finish by installing the modules and making ultimate utility connections. The ways a specific building will be developed is entirely depended on the building foundation’s choice.
With the help of a crane, the required modules of grade, semi-permanent and permanent foundation will be set. However, only raised foundations make use of simple mechanical procedures to install the modules in the specific place. As the modules get installed in their desired places the procedures of both exterior and interior finishing gets started!
Simply, it includes mechanical system and electrical connection within trim, exterior sliding, skirting, wheelchair ramps, stairs and modules. Even utility connection is also considered as an important part of construction finishing!
Even nowadays, modular construction is helping the people in so many ways and it’s so easy to develop that most citizens of Dubai are also inclined to it. Moreover, no matter how big your project is it gets completed within a short span of time and that too in budget. Also, it possesses the same finish, luxury, interior, ambiance as an on-site building gives.
Pre-installation conversion work
Although converting a shipping container into a school building involves numerous procedures. Yet the optimum space is created by shedding off the side walls of the container and reinforcing it from the sections which have been cut off!
How an energy efficacious classroom can be obtained in a tight budget?
If any school wants the entire building to be energy efficient but cut out due to a tight budget then shipping container can be their ultimate solution. Under the boarding of plywood in the floor insulated thermal sheets can be installed. By installing the bi-folding patio doors and double-glazed windows, the green credentials of the building will be influenced further.
Grafotherm is a spraying product applied in the entire inside of the container. This cost-saving coating is also applied to ceiling and upper walls for alleviating the problems of condensation.
The key areas of conversion are mentioned below:
- Preparing and re-painting of the external surface
- Application of anti-condesation paint (Grafotherm) inside
- Bi folding patio doors
- Double glazed windows
- Re-painting the external side of the container in dark green for easy blending it with the site or green environment
- Damaging the wall sides of the container and reinforcing it to make plenty of spaces as usually classrooms have
- Install the insulation feature with the help of thermal sheets under boarding of plywood.
Post-installation work
On finishing the construction of the entire school structure, remaining modification task is being completed. It includes:
- Final touch-up painting
- Staircase installation to get access to upper level
- Adding of the deck in the patios
- Instead of glass using of Perspex in the installed balustrade to protect it from getting damaged by cricket balls and other sport equipment
The final outcome: Budget-friendly and environment-friendly school building
By choosing shipping container for school adequate space can be provided in a limited budget. In fact, you can establish a mobile school which needs not any fixed location as address. Relocation will be easier for the school building as it possesses easy repositioning and disassembling feature as per the convenience
Due to the use of serviced shipping container in such a great project, it could set an example for the students as well as other people in the future. Apart from proper education, the structure of the building will allow the students to learn the usage of eco-friendly products and make the Earth green and sustainable.
Conservation of energy can be done with the help of the double glazing and insulation which are equally learnable by the students to utilize in the future as well.
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